This weekend, you can see a tribute to photographers who share their technical knowledge as teachers, a sweeping stock-show-ready survey of Western art and new work from an installation artist on the rise. Read on for the details.

CPAC is far more than gallery space; it's also a school for budding photographers, with a slew of regional professional artists leading the workshops and sharing techniques. The aptly named Inspiration! showcases the work of more than a dozen of them with a beautiful display of fine work from some of Colorado's best photographers.

Go West with Abend tonight, at a show of Western art both traditional and contemporary that celebrates stock show season in Denver. See the work of 33 local and national artists, many of whom will be present at the reception, in renderings of cows and cowboys, modern landscapes, nostalgic scenarios and more.

Claudia Mastrobuono, a current RedLine resident, weaves traditional fiber techniques and mediums with a contemporary sensibility in her new works. Her statement: "I decorate the ordinary, allowing the viewer access by using familiar objects and nostalgic materials. My work deals with personal conflict between the desire for domestic foundation and the need to fulfill personal goals. I struggle with my role as a woman, daughter, partner and artist. I translate this fight visually, creating noise with material and pattern."

Want more? See the Westword art event listings to learn more about current gallery and art museum exhibitions and openings in the metro area.

Denver native Susan Froyd studied English, Art and finally Journalism at Metro State University of Denver, and also managed movie theaters, sold art supplies and was a buyer in the stationery and greeting card industry, before landing at the weekly Denver newspaper Westword as Arts and Culture Editor in 1992. Twenty-two years of coverage later, she’s still at it and not over her love affair with Denver’s cultural scene. Not so much a critic as she is a cheerleader for the city’s fine- and performing-arts communities, Susan feels privileged to serve all the vibrant artists in all disciplines who make our town a more engaging place to live.